For centuries brick has been a choice for construction due to its durability, longevity, and timeless charm, it brings to homes. However, like any building material, there may be instances where it starts to look outdated or doesn't fit the desired aesthetic. This often raises the question; "Can I paint my brick house?" The answer is yes. There are factors you should take into account. So let's explore the world of painting bricks in detail.

 

Why Paint Brick?

Brick not only offers a visual aspect but also serves a functional purpose. Its natural and porous surface provides insulation while remaining resilient against weather conditions. Nevertheless, there might come a time when you want to transform its appearance. Whether it's breathing life into a home or simply giving it a modernized look, painting brick is an option many homeowners consider.

 

Advantages & Disadvantages of Painting Brick

Before you pull out the paintbrushes and rollers, let's weigh the advantages and disadvantages to make an informed decision.

Advantages

1. Aesthetic Enhancement

One of the most common reasons homeowners opt to paint brick is to update its appearance. Over time, bricks can become stained, weathered, or simply outdated in terms of color and style. A fresh coat of paint can breathe new life into the brick, offering a cleaner, more modern look. Whether you're aiming for a rustic charm, a contemporary sleekness, or a complete color overhaul, painting provides a transformative touch that's often quicker and cheaper than replacing the brick.

2. Protection and Preservation

Quality paint can act as a sealant, protecting bricks from environmental factors. Bricks are porous and can absorb moisture. In colder climates, the freeze-thaw cycle can cause this moisture to expand and contract, potentially leading to cracks or spalling. A well-applied, appropriate paint can minimize water infiltration, protecting the brick from such damage. Additionally, paint can shield bricks from harmful UV rays which can deteriorate the mortar over time.

3. Increased Property Value

Curb appeal plays a significant role in a property's value. A well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing exterior can increase the perceived value of a home, making it more appealing to potential buyers or even boosting the homeowner's pride in their property. By updating old or discolored brick with a fresh coat of paint, homeowners might elevate their property’s market appeal, potentially translating to a higher resale value.

4. Easier Cleaning

Painted surfaces are often easier to clean compared to raw brick surfaces.
Dust dirt and mildew are easier to clean or wipe off from a painted surface compared to brick and mortar joints.

5. Enhanced Mood and Ambiance

The color chosen for a brick wall whether it's indoors or outdoors, can have an impact on the mood and atmosphere of the area. Warm hues can create an inviting ambiance while cooler tones can bring about a peaceful environment. By painting bricks, homeowners can utilize the psychology of color to enhance their living spaces.

Disadvantages

1. Potential for Paint Failure

If the brick isn't properly prepared before painting or if the wrong type of paint is used, there's a risk of paint failure. This may lead to peeling, bubbling, or chalking of the paint resulting in an appearance that requires repairs.

2. Difficult to Reverse

Brick is an incredibly porous material. When painted, the paint permeates the brick's pores, making the process of removing the paint extremely challenging. Methods like sandblasting can be used to strip paint, but they can also damage the brick's surface, compromising its integrity and appearance. The cost, effort, and potential harm involved make reverting to natural brick a formidable task.

3. Maintenance and Repainting

Unlike natural brick, painted surfaces are susceptible to external factors like UV rays, moisture, and physical damage. Over time, regardless of paint quality, painted brick may fade, chip, or peel. Unlike wooden surfaces where repainting is relatively straightforward, repainting brick requires thorough preparation to ensure proper adherence and finish. As such, homeowners might find themselves in a cycle of periodic repainting, incurring recurring costs and efforts.

4. Reduced Breathability

Breathability is not only about moisture; it also plays a role in temperature regulation. Unpainted brick can adapt to temperature variations by absorbing and releasing heat contributing to comfort. On the other hand, painted brick may not regulate temperature efficiently, potentially leading to increased reliance on HVAC systems and higher energy costs.

5. Loss of Natural Appearance

Brick is often chosen as a building material for its rustic, timeless beauty and unique texture. Each brick can showcase a combination of hues, minute imperfections, and natural weathering, which collectively give character to a building. By painting over this surface, you essentially cover all these nuances. For those who deeply appreciate the inherent characteristics, painting can feel like erasing a part of the identity of the building. Moreover, if the goal ever becomes reverting to the original look, achieving this becomes almost impossible after painting.

 

Instructions on How to Paint Brick?

Painting brick offers a solution for refreshing the look of a house. It's crucial to follow a process to ensure that the paint adheres properly and maintains its longevity. While each painting project is unique, there are some guidelines you can follow. Here's a detailed step-by-step guide:

1. Choose the Right Type of Paint

When dealing with brick, it's important to select a paint that can adhere well to its surface while allowing it to breathe. Opting for high-quality elastomeric masonry paint is recommended. This type of paint not only provides durability but also expands and contracts with temperature changes, minimizing the risk of cracks.

2. Prepare the Surface

Proper preparation of the surface is essential. Ensure that the brick is free from dirt, dust, or grease, by scrubbing it with a wire brush to remove mortar or old paint. Next use a mixture of soap and water to clean off any dirt, mold, or mildew on the brick's surface. If there are stains, consider using a masonry cleaner.

Make sure the surface is thoroughly rinsed and allow it to dry for 24 hours before you start painting.

3. Apply the Paint in Thin Coats

Applying thin coats ensures coverage and allows the brick's porous surface to absorb the paint better. Avoid using thick coats as they can cause dripping, sagging, or an uneven finish. For a consistent application consider using a roller specifically designed for such surfaces.

4. Let the Paint Dry Completely

Although the paint surface may feel dry to the touch within an hour, complete curing can take days. During this period, the paint bonds with the brick and reaches its durability. It's important not to touch or expose the painted surface to rain or extreme conditions until it has fully healed.

5. Protect the Paint

To offer protection against UV rays, moisture, and pollutants you can apply a sealant over the paint. This not only extends the lifespan of your painted brick but also enhances color vibrancy and provides a finish—whether you prefer matte, satin, or gloss.

 

How to Maintain Painted Brick

Once the job is finished, it's important to understand that there is work involved in maintaining painted brick. This maintenance is crucial to ensure that your investment lasts long and continues to enhance the value of your home. Here are some steps, on how to maintain painted brick:

1. Regular Cleaning

Even if you use the most durable paint on the market, dirt and grime can still accumulate over time making your painted brick appear dull and neglected. Depending on the surroundings of your home, you may need to clean the painted brick surface around twice a year or frequently. Use a soft brush or cloth along with a detergent and water mixture for gentle cleaning. Avoid using chemicals or abrasive scrubbing materials as they can cause damage to the paint.

2. Annual Inspections

Allocate some time each year, especially during spring cleaning for inspections of your painted brick surfaces. Look out for any signs of chipping, peeling, fading, or cracking. The earlier you detect these issues the easier they will be to address. For imperfections, use a paint brush for touch-ups. This not only keeps the appearance fresh but also helps prevent any exposed brick from deteriorating.

3. Sealant Reapplication

Depending on the type of sealant used and the weather conditions in your area, it may be necessary to reapply a coat of sealant every year. The sealant acts as a barrier for both the paint and the underlying brick safeguarding them against water damage and UV fading. Before applying the sealant always ensure that the surface is clean and completely dry.

 

You can find my go-to caulking sealants with outstanding adhesive properties at Paint Life Supply.

4. Avoid Pressure Washing

Although pressure washing might appear to be an efficient way to clean your exterior, it can cause more harm than good when dealing with painted brick surfaces. The high-pressure water can chip away at the paint layer and even cause damage to the bricks themselves. It's best to opt for gentler cleaning methods to maintain the condition of your painted surface.

5. Routine Gutter and Drainage Checks

It's essential to inspect your gutters and drainage systems to ensure they are functioning optimally. Poor drainage can result in water exposure on painted brick surfaces leading to problems such as peeling paint or even structural damage over time.

 

Best Paint Colors for Brick

Selecting the paint color for your brick surface, whether it is a wall, fireplace, or the entire exterior of your home can be a challenging task.

The choice of color can have an impact on the appearance and ambiance of your space. Here are some color options that generally complement brick considering both aesthetic and functional aspects.

1. Whites and Off-whites

These colors can brighten up the space or façade giving it a clean look. They tend to work with every style and can complement various accent colors. Ideal for homes, beach houses, and interiors that aim for an airy feel.

2. Grays

Grays are neutral yet striking making them an elegant choice. You can find a range of shades from dove grays to charcoal tones. They provide a backdrop that highlights elements effectively. Best suited for urban homes, interior designs, and exteriors with metallic accents.

3. Taupe and Beige

These warm neutral tones suit a variety of design styles. They add a touch of coziness without being overwhelming in any setting. Moreover, they are easier to maintain as they show dirt and wear over time. Perfect for homes with rustic designs or settings where you desire an organic feel.

4. Reds and Burgundies

If you want to stay true to the brick colors but desire an added touch, consider reds or burgundies, as your color choices. These hues work well with a range of trim and accent colors while evoking a sense of warmth and comfort in the ambiance. Ideal for Colonial or Victorian house interior spaces that desire to maintain a timeless brick appearance while enhancing the aesthetic.

5. Blues and Greens

Unique and daring, perfect for making a statement. These tones can create a tranquil atmosphere (think pastels) or bring an invigorating vibe (think jewel tones). A variety of shades are available, including navy and rich teal to soothing sage and vibrant forest green. Recommended for Bohemian and eclectic interior designs, and homeowners seeking a unique look.

6. Black and Dark Hues

These shades create an ambiance that enhances both indoor and outdoor spaces with a sleek look. Pairs well with contrasting trims or decorative elements. Suitable for contemporary home spaces aiming for a luxurious touch.

7. Soft Pastels

Adds a touch of charm and is ideal for small features or accent walls rather than entire exteriors. This offers a spectrum of colors ranging from pinks to subtle lavenders that are a perfect fit for children's rooms, small projects like garden walls, interior accent walls, or artistic spaces.

 

When choosing a paint color for your brick, it's important to consider factors such as the color of the roof, natural surroundings, and even the orientation of your home with sunlight. To make the right decision, start by applying paint samples and observing them at times of the day and under various lighting conditions. This will help you finalize your choice before proceeding. By selecting the paint color, you can transform your brick into a striking design element. With maintenance and careful selection, your painted brick can become an eye-catching point for many years to come.

 

Key Takeaway

Painting your brick house can be a great way to update the look of your home. It makes cleaning easier and lets you pick colors that make you happy. However, it's crucial to approach this task with care as there are risks involved such as adhesion of the paint or compromising the breathability of the brick.

 

If you decide to go for it, do it the right way. Choose high-quality paint, thoroughly clean the surface beforehand, and take your time during application. Don't rush through it; you'll be living with the results for a long time. If you're uncertain about handling it on your own, don't hesitate to seek assistance from the pros, as their expertise can make all the difference in achieving outcomes.

 

Once you have finished painting, it is important to maintain your paint job. This includes keeping it clean and addressing any areas where the paint may chip or peel. Additionally, remember to inspect your gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage as that is something you want to avoid.

 

Ultimately deciding to paint brick is a choice. It can be a rewarding one if you are seeking a change and willing to put in the necessary effort. At Paint Life Supply Co., we provide Airless Sprayer starter kits that can help ensure the success of your brick painting project. So go ahead, take the plunge, and give a new life to your home!